The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) is keen on launching regular awareness-raising campaignsduring the year to highlight the necessity of early detection of hepatitis, and the World Hepatitis Day, which falls onJuly 28 of every year, represents an ideal occasion to promote the awareness of community members on the risksof hepatitis A, B, C and D, in addition to encouraging and supporting the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment ofthe disease.

The UAE is one of the world’s leading countries that is moving on the right track towards achieving the WorldHealth Organization’s (WHO) goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030. It was on top of the Middle Eastern countriesto include hepatitis B vaccination in the basic vaccinations of the National Immunization Program since 1991.

Healthcare workers also receive vaccination against hepatitis and the ministry provides the vaccine to passengerstravelling to countries most affected by the virus.

According to official statistics, the UAE is among the world’s least affected countries by hepatitis, thanks to thestrenuous efforts being made by the government and private health departments and the continuous training ofhealthcare providers on the latest methods of diagnosing and treating the disease, applying the best preventivepolicies to reduce the spread of the disease, and implementing latest global practices and treatment protocols.